度过

• Pinyin: dù guò
• Hanzi breakdown: 度 = 广 (wide) + 廿 + 又 (hand), originally related to measuring; 过 = 辶 (movement) + 寸 (inch)

Meaning

To spend (time); to get through; to pass. Used for experiencing or living through a period of time.

Specifically used with time expressions: 度过一个愉快的周末 (spend a pleasant weekend), 度过难关 (get through a crisis). Not interchangeable with 经过 (pass by physically) or 通过 (pass through/approve). Often carries an emotional nuance about how time was experienced.

Examples

1. 我们在海边度过了一个美好的假期。 We spent a wonderful holiday by the sea.
2. 他努力工作，终于度过了最困难的时期。 He worked hard and finally got through the most difficult period.
3. 祝你度过愉快的一天！ Wishing you a pleasant day!

Usage Guide

Context: time, life

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 希望大家度过一个开心的春节。(I hope everyone has a happy Spring Festival.)
• 我们一起度过了很多快乐的时光。(We spent many happy times together.)

Don't Say

• 用'度过'代替'经过' (Don't use 度过 when you mean physically passing by a location — use 经过 for that; 度过 is only for experiencing time)

Origin & History

Compound of 度 (to pass, to measure) and 过 (to cross, to pass). Together they emphasise the passage of time.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal